Variable Angle Pendulum

A physical pendulum is mounted on a bearing so the angle of the plane of oscillation can be changed. As you increase the angle, the frequency at which the pendulum swings will decrease.

PIRA Code(s):

3A10.40

Set up time:

none

Physics and Science Concepts:

Oscillations

Operation:

Push the pendulum so that it swings back and forth at an angle of about 0 º. Then, slowly increase the angle, and watch the frequency decrease. For a more effective demonstration, start the pendulum at a relatively high angle, and then decrease the angle of the plane of oscillation so that the frequency of the pendulum will increase over time.